Watch: Paul Mescal is iron-clad and incandescent in the new trailer for Gladiator II

The riveting new trailer for Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, has been unveiled today.

Ridley Scott’s sequel to the Oscar-winning original, which starred Russel Crowe, is due to hit cinemas on 15th November.

Set 20 years after the original, the follow-up sees Mescal spearheading a new story that centres on his character Lucius, the nephew of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) who was slain by Maximus (Crowe). Lucius is also the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielson, who reprised her role in the film) and grandson of Marcus Aurelius.

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in Gladiator II. Credit: Paramount

Years after witnessing the death of lauded hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is compelled to fight in the Colosseum after his home is seized by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist and fierce bloodlust.

“With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honour to return the glory of Rome to its people,” the official film synopsis reads.

Paul Mescal in Gladiator II. Credit: Paramount

Denzel Washington stars as the wealthy powerbroker, Macrinus, who mentors Lucius and tells him that he intends to make him his “instrument”, adding “rage is your gift”. Pedro Pascal appears as Marcus Acacius, a Roman general who trained under Maximus’ command. Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn and The White Lotus actor Fred Hechinger play co-emperors Caracalla and Geta.

Denzel Washington in Gladiator II. Credit: Paramount

The new trailer depicts several epic battles, including one where Mescal’s character and other gladiators fight a rhinoceros, as well as scenes of the storied naval battles that turned the Colosseum basin into a maritime deluge.

Director Scott revealed to Variety that he discovered Mescal when watching the actor in his breakout role as Connell Waldron in Normal People, calling the Maynooth native a “special find” and “absolutely perfect” for the role.

Watch the trailer for Gladiator II below: